Henry Moore sculpture could be re-erected thanks to 21st century science

“Rock engineering techniques are usually used for stabilisation of tunnels and rock slopes, but the basic concepts of understanding how rock behaves when it is subjected to loads are immediately applicable to stone sculptures. We can now apply this knowledge to preserving some of the nation’s most important and historic artworks.”

Dr Angela Geary from the International Drawing Research Institute, The Glasgow School of Art, added:

“We were delighted when the Henry Moore Foundation invited us to study the Arch as a subject for our research. It was a huge practical challenge, but it was very exciting and motivating to be working on such a significant real-world problem.”

Derek Pullen, Head of Sculpture Conservation at Tate, concluded:

“The outcome is a positive one for everyone involved, and our aim is now to expand across a wide range of artefacts from armoury to pottery and painting. Our methods could remove much of the guesswork from planning conservation treatment and could become an indispensable tool in the care of collections.”

The research was funded as part of the Finite Elements with Laser Scanning for mechanical analysis of Sculptural Objects (FELSSO) project by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, the Henry Moore Foundation with assistance also from the Royal Parks. The team is currently waiting for further funding to resurrect the Arch in Kensington Gardens.

Photos of the Arch are available on request.

For further information please contact:

Colin Smith
Press Officer
Imperial College London
Email:
Tel: +44 (0)207 594 6712
Out of hours duty press officer: +44 (0)7803 886 248

Sharon McHendry
Media Relations Officer
The Glasgow School of Art
Email:
T: +44 (0)141 353 4443
Out of hours (part-time) contact: +44 (0)7970 178643

Notes to editors:

1. About Imperial College London